India, China border dispute continues to simmer as tensions between both the nations are far from over despite another corps commander level meeting.
Top Indian Air Force commanders are expected to meet this week to discuss operational capabilities and strategies to keep a check on China.
Despite easing of some tensions, India still maintains combat readiness while keeping a hawk-eye on Chinese deployments and movements as the confrontation between Indian and PLA soldiers in eastern Ladakh has not ended, reports the Times of India.
“The apex-level IAF leadership will meet for three days at the bi-annual commanders’ conference, which will be inaugurated by defense minister Rajnath Singh on April 15. They will address strategies and policies related to capabilities that would give IAF a significant edge over its adversaries,” TOI quoted an officer.
Earlier, as EurAsian Times reported, there was no breakthrough on the disengagement process during the 11th round of dialogue between the Corps Commanders of India and China. However, both sides discussed ways to de-escalate along in other areas of Eastern Ladakh.
While both India and China delegates acknowledged the need to resolve the outstanding issues in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Saturday stated,
“In this context, it was also highlighted that completion of disengagement in other areas would pave the way for two sides to consider de-escalation of forces and ensure full restoration of peace and tranquility and enable progress in bilateral relations.”
For now, China has not lessened the deployment of its soldiers, heavy weaponry or missiles along the contentious Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese PLAAF airbases continue to have additional deployments of aircraft and fighter jets near the Indian border,” TOI quoted another officer.
There have been reports that the Chinese side has again taken an unyielding stance on de-escalation in the Gogra-Hot Springs area. The ‘rigid stance’ signifies that the deadlock in other regions can extend, as the Indian soldiers are well equipped and dug-in and New Delhi insisting on the restoration of previous positions to get bilateral ties back on track.
Experts also mentioned that the Indian success in expanding the south bank heights completely destroyed the Chinese advantage and ultimately led to their withdrawal and creation of a no-go zone for both sides.
According to experts talking to the EurAsian Times, the ‘change of heart’ in the Chinese camp could be directly linked with India deepening its engagement with the QUAD nations. China’s repeated statements that the borders are only a part of bilateral relations show a desire for some negotiations on ‘other aspects’ before a complete withdrawal.
Chinese state media – The Global Times has repeatedly rebuked the QUAD alliance and even advised New Delhi to stay away from disputes between the US and China.
The Global Times, in one of the editorials, wrote – India will never want to be a subsidized ally of the US, a position defined by its policy of nonalignment and ambition to become a global superpower. India will not dare to provoke China by publicly taking sides between Beijing and Washington.
